Device for storing projectile balls and feeding them into the projectile chamber of a gun

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for feeding ball-like ammunition, so-called paint balls, into the projectile chamber of a sporting arm. The magazine is arranged separately from the arm and is connected to same by a feeder tube. A feeder driven by a motor feeds the balls from the ball container into the feeder tube. Traction from the motor is transmitted via a connection or clutch which can consist of a flexible member and a transmission element. Protrusions are arranged on both the flexible member and the transmission element, which come to bear on each other for transmitting traction. The protrusions are at least partially flexible, so that the transmitted force is limited. This way, explosion of the balls from excessive pressure is prevented. In addition, the feeder is detachably connected to the drive element by means of a bayonet-like connection to facilitate the cleaning of the ball container.

1. A device for storing projectile balls and feeding the balls into a projectile chamber of a gun, comprising:
 a ball container; 
 a feeder tube having a first end connected to the ball container and a second end configured to connect to the gun; 
 a drive shaft; 
 a feeder rotatably connected to the drive shaft and positioned within the ball container for feeding balls into the feeder tube; 
 a motor connected to the drive shaft for driving the feeder; and 
 a slip clutch mounted on the drive shaft for transmitting drive energy from the motor to the feeder; 
 a flexible member having a first end connected to the feeder and a second end which bears on the slip clutch, the flexible member storing enough drive energy to feed at least one ball into the projective chamber; 
 the slip clutch having a plurality of flexible protrusions extending concentrically away from the drive shaft. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the slip clutch is fixedly mounted on the drive shaft to rotate in unison with the drive shaft. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member stores enough drive energy to feed at least one ball into the projective chamber. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member bears against the protrusions of the slip clutch. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein a distance keeper is mounted on the drive shaft to maintain the second end of the flexible member at a set distance from the drive shaft. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the feeder is detachably connected to the flexible member by a bayonet connection.